Use of an Alternating Gradient Cloud Chamber to Measure the Performance of a Condensation Nucleus Counter

Author

Donald E. Hagen, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Chen Kwee Lutrus
Max B. Trueblood, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Philip D. Whitefield, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Darryl J. Alofs, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
L. R. Dominguez-Sommer
J. R. C. Futrell

Abstract

An aerosol sampling project for the Air Force (Whitefield et al 1993), generated the need to make particle concentration measurements in the size range ≤10 nm, and a Met One CNC (Model 1100-5) was used for these measurements. The Met One small size performance and efficiency vs. particle concentration were calibrated against an ALGR/OPC facility (ALternating GRadient continuous flow thermal diffusion cloud chamber (CFD) and Optical Particle Counter), using a laboratory generated NaCl aerosol for which the critical supersaturation spectrum is both well known and low. The advantage of the ALGR is that it and the Model 1100-5 can operate under similar aerosol concentration conditions. These studies show that the Met One CNC begins to drop below 100% counting efficiency at aerosol diameters ≤10 nm, and reaches 75% efficiency at 7 nm. Complementary electrometer measurements were made for comparison.

Recommended Citation

D. E. Hagen et al., "Use of an Alternating Gradient Cloud Chamber to Measure the Performance of a Condensation Nucleus Counter," Proceedings - Annual Technical Meeting - Institute of Environmental Sciences, vol. 1, pp. 319 - 335, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jan 1993.

Meeting Name

39th Annual Technical Meeting of Institute of Environmental Sciences (1993: May 2-7, Las Vegas, NV)

Department(s)

Physics

Second Department

Chemistry

Third Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Aerosols; Calibration; Cloud chambers; Condensation; Detectors; Particle size analysis; Particles (particulate matter); Performance; Sampling; Thermal diffusion; Alternating gradient continuous flow thermal diffusion cloud chamber; Condensation nuclei counter; Optical particle counters; Optical instruments

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

1877862193

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0073-9227

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 1993 Institute of Environmental Sciences, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 1993